Iran's World Cup soccer players have been granted visas to enter the United States. This decision was confirmed by a White House official. Their first match is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles.
This development follows weeks of uncertainty for the Iranian national team. Iran's ambassador to Mexico stated late on Thursday that the squad had not yet received their U.S. visas. The visas were reportedly granted overnight. Some members of the team's technical and administrative staff have not yet received their visas, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.
The World Cup has become a geopolitical stage for Iran and the United States. The two countries are currently engaged in conflict. This is the first World Cup where a host nation is facing a country it is at war with. Iran had negotiated a late change for their team base. It moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa issues. This move aimed to minimize the team's presence in the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated the U.S. would not allow individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards into the delegation. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's soccer federation, was denied entry for the tournament draw in Washington in December. He is a former commander in the Revolutionary Guards. Iran's ambassador to Mexico suggested that Iran's participation in the World Cup shows a desire for peace. He spoke through an interpreter at the Iranian embassy in Mexico City.
The resolution of the visa issue could impact diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S. It also removes a significant hurdle for the Iranian team's participation. The team is scheduled to land in Tijuana early on Sunday. Iran will play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium and Egypt in other matches.